He also said the Irish flag should not be burned on bonfires, but he is not sure if that constitutes a hate crime
The burning of posters and effigies of people on Eleventh night bonfires should be treated as a hate crime, the grand secretary of the Orange Order has said.
"I think this needs to be addressed but I don't think it's through legislation, I think work needs to be done with the bonfire builders and the local communities and councils to try and come up with solutions to those who still think it's alright to burn posters or effigies on bonfires," he told BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme.
"I'd prefer to see no effigies or flags on a bonfire," he said. "Bonfires are about the celebration of unionist and loyalist culture, and I don't think we need to denigrate another culture or another country so we can celebrate. The Orange Order does not organise bonfires. The pyres are generally planned and built by local community groups and lit the night before the Twelfth of July parades run by the Orange Order.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tom Hanks learned Saving Private Ryan lines from helmet on Irish beach'He was just one of the lads.' Irish movie extras share memories of filming on a Wexford beach with tomhanks as the Hollywood star learned his lines for Saving Private Ryan 📽🎞
Read more »
Ukraine war: Refugees to be housed in Irish military campThe decision comes amid a shortage in accommodation for those fleeing the Russian invasion.
Read more »
Ukraine war: Refugees to be housed in Irish military campMore than 300 Ukrainian refugees will be housed at an Irish military camp Ukraine DublinAirport
Read more »
Irish prime minister calls UK's Rwanda scheme for asylum seekers 'shocking' and 'wrong'The Irish Red Cross says the number of people applying for international protection in Ireland has doubled in the first six months of this year compared with 2021, and says the Home Office scheme is partially responsible.
Read more »
Irish language and Ulster Scots bill clears House of LordsIrish language and Ulster Scots legislation has cleared the House of Lords at Westminster:
Read more »
Eleventh night bonfire effigies condemned by senior OrangemanThe Orange Order's grand secretary has condemned the burning of effigies on bonfires, but says legislation is not the best way to tackle the issue.
Read more »